Lionel Messi was once again the star of the show as Inter Miami edged out the New England Revolution with a 2-1 victory at Gillette Stadium, captivating a crowd of 43,293 fans. Messi scored both of Miami’s goals in the first half, showcasing his exceptional talent and securing his team’s win despite late pressure from the Revolution.
The match unfolded with New England initially holding their ground. However, in the 27th minute, a defensive blunder by Tanner Beason allowed Messi to seize a loose ball in front of the net, capitalizing to put Miami ahead. Just ten minutes later, Messi demonstrated his playmaking ability, receiving a perfect pass from Sergio Busquets and slotting the ball into the far corner, doubling Miami’s lead.
The Revolution fought back, with captain Carles Gil finding the net in the 80th minute, giving New England a glimmer of hope. However, several missed opportunities, including a glaring miss by Tomas Chancalay on an empty net, ultimately sealed their fate. This loss marked New England’s fourth defeat in five games, emphasizing their ongoing struggles as they remain in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, four points shy of the playoff spots.
One intriguing aspect of the game was New England’s tactical approach. After experimenting with a three-back formation earlier in the season, Coach Caleb Porter reverted to a four-back system during the second half. This shift led to increased aggression and opportunities for the Revolution, specifically contributing to Gil’s goal. While Porter was hesitant to confirm a permanent change in strategy, he acknowledged the team’s need to adapt.
Messi’s performance, once more, highlighted his remarkable consistency and dedication to the game. Even after a grueling schedule post-Club World Cup, he played the full match, earning accolades from both fans and opponents alike. Coach Porter remarked on Messi’s unyielding passion for the game, labeling him “the best ever” and acknowledging the challenge of facing such a poised competitor.
As the Revolution aim to break their winless streak, they must capitalize on their chances and tighten their defensive strategies. Despite the current challenges, there is hope that a shift in tactics or improved performance can help turn the tide in future matches.